Crime Stoppers is a program, separate from the emergency telephone number system or other standard methods of contacting police, that allows a member of the community to provide anonymous information about criminal activity. It allows a person to provide crime solving assistance to the authorities without being directly involved in the investigation process.

 

The system is focused on stimulating community involvement and participation, taking advantage of every possible media opportunity, especially electronic media, to publicize unsolved crimes; and offering cash rewards for information leading to an arrest and/or conviction.
 

Since its first chapter was officially formed in Albuquerque in 1976, Crime Stoppers has grown to more than 950 community programs around the world. Crime Stoppers in the United States has been responsible for more than half a million arrests, and more than 4 billion dollars in recovered property and drugs.

 

In Polk County, Crime Stoppers is a partnership that has been in operation since 1987. Anonymous tips have led to solving cases in the following categories: Abduction and Kidnapping, Animal Abuse, Arson; Burglary of Habitation, Burglary of Vehicle, Child Abuse, Firearm Theft, Fugitives, Gang Activity, Hate Crimes, Hit & Run, Homicides, Missing Persons, Robbery, Runaways, Sexual Assaults, Theft, Vandalism and more.